Additional support from the Federal Government for the business events industry has been welcomed by the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB).

The support has come in the form of a successful reception at the Australian High Commission in London for Australian convention bureaux and heads of European associations and companies who have previously held, or have planned to hold, congresses in Australia, hosted by the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Hon Steven Ciobo MP, and Tourism Australia.

“Minister Ciobo is continuing to do an excellent job of ‘flying the flag’ for Australia’s business events industry,” said the AACB’s President, Lyn Lewis-Smith.

“The fact he’s now doing this on the world stage is taking this support to another level, which the industry welcomes.

“Events like the one the Minister has hosted in London have the potential to entice more global conferences and conventions to Australia, ahead of other international destinations.”

Expenditure by overseas delegates attending business events in Australia generates more than $2.2 billion in gross domestic product and 22,500 jobs annually.

“The fine work Minister Ciobo has been doing to promote Australia as a superior destination for international business events would be complemented by other high-level government stakeholders delivering a similar message,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.

“The AACB is briefing these stakeholders on an ongoing basis to maximise the chances of this occurring.”